Ancelotti Faces Tax Fraud Trial in Spain
Football coach Carlo Ancelotti's trial for tax fraud began in Spain on Wednesday. The 65-year-old Italian is accused of evading €1 million ($1.08 million) in taxes on image rights during his first tenure at Real Madrid in 2014 and 2015, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
Prosecutors are seeking a nearly five-year prison sentence and a €3.2 million ($3.44 million) fine, claiming Ancelotti failed to report income from image rights, declaring only his salary. The trial will last three days, with an out-of-court settlement still possible. Spain's tax authority has already seized the owed amount, including interest.
Ancelotti, who has denied the charges, expressed confidence in the Spanish judicial system and looks forward to testifying. Known for his remarkable career, Ancelotti has won the Champions League five times and league titles in five major European countries.
He joins a list of high-profile football figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who have faced similar investigations by Spanish tax authorities.
